If you’re craving a comforting, crowd-pleasing casserole that blends creamy, cheesy goodness with tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta, then look no further. The Best Chicken Spaghetti Recipe brings together familiar pantry staples with vibrant salsa and zesty taco seasoning, creating a dish that’s bursting with flavor and texture in every bite. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting friends, this dish delivers satisfying warmth and a delightful spin on traditional spaghetti casseroles you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might seem simple, but each one plays an essential role in making The Best Chicken Spaghetti Recipe stand out. From the delicate angel hair pasta, which soaks up all the wonderful flavors, to the creamy soups and tangy salsa that add richness and balance, every component works perfectly together to create an unforgettable meal.
- Angel hair pasta (8 ounces): Cooks quickly and absorbs the creamy sauce beautifully without becoming mushy.
- Chopped, cooked chicken (2 cups): Adds protein and a tender meaty texture that complements the pasta perfectly.
- Cream of chicken soup (2 cans, 10.5 ounces each): Provides a creamy, comforting base for the dish’s sauce.
- Salsa (1 cup): Brings a bright, tangy flavor that livens up the creaminess and adds a subtle kick.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): Adds richness and smoothness to the sauce, balancing the spice from the salsa and taco seasoning.
- Mexican cheese blend (2 cups total): One cup mixed into the casserole for melty goodness, and another cup sprinkled on top for a golden, bubbly finish.
- Taco seasoning (1 tablespoon): Infuses the dish with warm, savory spices that enhance the southwest-inspired flavors.
- Dried parsley (optional): Adds a pop of color and a mild herbaceous note when sprinkled on top before baking.
How to Make The Best Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C), the perfect temperature to gently meld all your ingredients together without overcooking. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to ensure your casserole won’t stick, making cleanup a breeze and preserving that beautiful golden crust.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and cook 8 ounces of angel hair pasta according to package directions—this usually means just a few minutes for perfect tenderness. Make sure to drain it thoroughly; you want it moist but not soggy for the ideal texture in your casserole.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
Once your pasta is drained, pour it back into the pot to mix everything together easily. Add 2 cups of chopped, cooked chicken, the two cans of cream of chicken soup, 1 cup of salsa, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1 cup of the Mexican cheese blend, and 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning. Stir everything until it’s evenly coated, ensuring each bite will be rich and flavorful.
Step 4: Assemble and Top
Pour this savory mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Then sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of Mexican cheese blend over the top to create a gorgeous cheesy crust. If you like, add a sprinkle of dried parsley for an inviting hint of green and a touch of freshness.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover your dish with nonstick aluminum foil to keep the moisture in during baking. Place it in the oven for about 25 minutes or until it’s hot and bubbly and the cheese on top has melted and turned lightly golden. This step creates that irresistible melty, slightly crisp topping you can’t wait to dig into.
How to Serve The Best Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate The Best Chicken Spaghetti Recipe, consider topping it with fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, or a squeeze of lime juice. These little touches add a fresh zing and brighten the rich, cheesy flavors, making each serving feel even more special.
Side Dishes
Serve this hearty casserole alongside a crisp garden salad, roasted vegetables, or a simple side of steamed broccoli. These lighter sides provide a refreshing balance to the creamy richness of the spaghetti and add extra textures to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to have some fun with presentation, try serving The Best Chicken Spaghetti Recipe in individual ramekins for a lovely single-serve option, or sprinkle some crushed tortilla chips on top before baking for an unexpected crunchy twist. You can even add diced avocados or dollops of guacamole to play up the southwestern vibe!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The Best Chicken Spaghetti Recipe keeps really well in the fridge for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors often deepen after a day, making your leftovers something to get excited about. Just be sure to cool it down to room temperature before refrigerating.
Freezing
Want to save some for later? This dish freezes wonderfully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, warm it gently in the microwave or oven. If in the oven, cover with foil and bake at 350°F until heated through—about 20-25 minutes. A quick stir midway can help heat it evenly and keep the cheesy texture perfect.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta in this recipe?
Absolutely! While angel hair pasta works beautifully here for its light texture, you can substitute with thin spaghetti or even some fun twists like rotini or penne. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap out the cooked chicken for beans or roasted veggies, and use a vegetarian cream of mushroom soup or a similar substitute to keep it creamy and delicious.
Can I make this recipe spicier?
Definitely! Increase the amount of taco seasoning or add a few dashes of hot sauce or chopped jalapeños to pack more heat into the dish.
How creamy is The Best Chicken Spaghetti Recipe?
This dish is wonderfully creamy thanks to the combination of cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and melted cheese, making it rich without being heavy.
Can I prepare this dish in advance and bake later?
You sure can! Assemble everything up to step 4, cover, and refrigerate for a few hours or overnight before baking as directed. This is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a delicious, comforting, and simple recipe to add to your rotation, you simply must try The Best Chicken Spaghetti Recipe. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Once you taste it, you’ll understand why this casserole has a place in your heart—and on your table—time and time again.
Print
The Best Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy and flavorful Chicken Spaghetti casserole combines tender angel hair pasta with cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, salsa, sour cream, and a delicious Mexican cheese blend. Topped with melted cheese and a sprinkle of parsley, it’s an easy, comforting baked dish perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 ounces angel hair pasta (half of a 16 ounce box)
- 2 cups chopped, cooked chicken
- 2 (10.5 ounce) cans cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup salsa
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 cups Mexican cheese blend, divided use
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- Dried parsley (for topping, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook 8 ounces of angel hair pasta according to the package directions. Drain the pasta thoroughly once cooked.
- Combine ingredients: Place the drained pasta back into the pot. Add 2 cups chopped, cooked chicken, 2 cans of cream of chicken soup, 1 cup salsa, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1 cup of the Mexican cheese blend, and 1 tablespoon taco seasoning. Stir everything well to ensure the mixture is evenly combined and coated.
- Assemble casserole: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of the Mexican cheese blend evenly over the top. Optionally, add a sprinkling of dried parsley for color and garnish.
- Bake: Cover the dish with nonstick aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the cheese on top is melted and lightly golden.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of chicken soup with a homemade creamy base for a fresher taste.
- If you like a bit of heat, add some chopped jalapeños or use spicy salsa.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For a lower calorie version, use reduced-fat cheese and sour cream.
- To make prep easier, use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken.
